SMT assembly release requires a complete Gerber package (all copper layers, soldermask, silkscreen, drill), a CPL centroid file with correct X/Y and rotation for every component, a BOM with manufacturer part numbers and approved alternates, and fabrication notes specifying surface finish, copper weight, controlled impedance if applicable, and board material. Without all of these, the job will stall at the supplier's engineering review.
Why this becomes hard
EDA tools export files that look complete but contain supplier-specific naming conventions that not every fab handles the same way. Gerber naming for Altium differs from KiCad. CPL column formats differ between tools. The supplier may accept the file but silently skip components that do not match their expected format.
What teams usually miss
Fabrication notes are the most commonly forgotten input. If you do not specify HASL vs ENIG, 1oz vs 2oz copper, or controlled impedance stack-up, the supplier picks defaults. The board may work, or the impedance mismatch may create signal integrity problems you trace back weeks later.
What KnowYi does
KnowYi runs a pre-submission check including fabrication notes completeness, Gerber layer naming, CPL format, BOM-to-CPL alignment, and component availability before any SMT job is released. We require AOI results and X-ray for BGAs before accepting any lot.
What to send us
Gerbers, CPL, BOM with MPN, schematic, and any fabrication notes you have. Missing notes are fine—we will flag what needs to be decided.
If you already have CAD, drawings, BOM, Gerbers, or even an incomplete file package, send it to KnowYi. We can turn it into a clear manufacturing path with missing inputs identified, quote blockers flagged, supplier routing handled, production records maintained, and delivery evidence returned.